When you think of Milan, you probably imagine glamorous hotels, high-end fashion brands, and glitzy restaurants. After all, Milan is the fashion and design capital of Italy and quite possibly all of Europe!
However, there is much more to Milan that expensive shops and fine dining. Milan is a city that’s constantly evolving, unlike many of the neighboring Italian towns. Here, you’ll find modern skyscrapers just as quickly as you’ll find Roman ruins.
In such a diverse city, you might have a hard time figuring out where to go and what to see! But don’t worry, because we’ve put together the ultimate list tours and activities that you’ll want to do when visiting Milan!
Table of Contents
A must see in Milan!
No trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to the grand Milan Cathedral. Also known as the Duomo, this Gothic building is the largest church in Italy and the fourth largest in the world!
Skip the lines and crowds of tourists as you enter the Duomo with your guide. Finally, head up to the terraces by elevator for sweeping, panoramic views of Milan.
Possibly our favorite walking tour!
See all the hotspots as your private guide takes you to the best spots around the city! On this walking tour, you’ll explore off the beaten path places and even find hidden gems that only the locals know about.
You’ll also get inside tips on where the locals eat and shop as you wander to cafes, restaurants, and markets. You might even pick up some Italian on the way!
A great way to see Milan!
Cycle through Milan as you explore some of the best sights and attractions in the city! Meet your guide and head towards Castello Sforza before visiting the Roman archeological ruins. End your trip by finishing at the Duomo, a stunning Gothic cathedral and one of the biggest landmarks in the entire city.
Your knowledgable guide will share stories and facts as he provides commentary during the bike ride.
A must to tour for your large group!
Visiting the city with friends and family? This walking tour can accommodate up to 25 guests and takes you to the best landmarks in all of Milan.
Explore the grand architecture and trendy neighborhoods as your private guide tells you about the history of Milan. Highlights include visits to the Duomo, Royal Palace, La Scala Theater, and Arengario Palace.
One of the tastiest tours in Milan!
Take a peek into Milan’s fashionable and contemporary neighborhoods on this delicious food and wine tour! Starting in Porta Nuova in what is considered “New Milan,” you’ll marvel at glass buildings, soaring skyscrapers, and modern high rises.
After, your guide will take you to a traditional restaurant where you’ll sample meats and cheeses. And of course, while washing them down with a bitter aperitif!
A great sightseeing tour!
Did you know that Milan is also home to its version of Venice? On your evening bike tour, you’ll explore the bridges and canals of Navigli, a beautiful and charming neighborhood with a plethora of bars and restaurants.
After cycling for a few hours, your guide will take you to a nice cafe. Relax with a glass of wine or beer while enjoying a few provided snacks.
One of the best attraction tours in Milan!
Learn even more about the marvelous Duomo as you ascend to the top of the roof with your guide! This one-hour tour includes skip the line tickets, so you don’t have to wait in the head with the other tourists!
Once inside, you’ll take an elevator (and climb 50 steps) to reach the terrace. Enjoy the panoramic views of Italy, and if you’re lucky, the Italian Alps!
A must-see for architecture lovers!
Combine a visit to two of Milan’s top attractions on this Duomo and La Scala Guided Tour. First, visit La Scala’s opulent 2,000 seat theater that’s hosted some of the best opera and shows in all of Italy.
Then, walk through the glass-roof Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and stand in the piazza of the Duomo, admiring the grand cathedral in front of you. This tour also includes entrance tickets to both attractions.
Love History? These are the 25 COOLEST historical facts about Milan!
The coolest way to explore Milan!
Drive along the banks of Navigli’s canals on a fun and exciting Segway! On this group tour, your guide will take you to see the network or waterways and bridges in this trendy, charming neighborhood.
After, continue sightseeing by visiting the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Then continue to Colonne di San Lorenzo, Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, and even stop to take a photo with the Cattelan’s LOVE statue!
Our favorite tour for art-lovers!
Milan is home to many historical artists, composers, and philosophers, but none more famous than Leonardo da Vinci himself! On this tour, you’ll visit places that had the biggest influence on da Vinci’s life when he lived in Milan.
You’ll start your tour with a visit to Sforza Castle, where da Vinci worked. Then, visit the Duomo, where he created his lantern tower project. Your tour continues at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Piazza San Sepolcro, home to da Vinci’s largest collection of works.
One of the best food tours in Milan!
Dine like a VIP as you eat your way through Milan! The tour starts with a short walk through the medieval streets and thousand-year-old churches. Learn about Milan’s rich history before continuing on the food tour.
In an archeological 300-year old building, you’ll sample a handpicked menu of delicious Italian food and wines. This culinary experience will give you an entirely new appreciation for Italian food!
Recommended Article – Milan’s 17 Best Museums (some that tourists never see)!
An amazing private tour!
When the workday ends, locals flock to their favorite bars and restaurants to indulge in aperitivo, the Italian version of happy hour. On this tour, you’ll join the locals as you bar hop through some of the best spots in town.
Start with a glass of prosecco as you walk through Basilicas Park. Then, head to Navigli where you’ll enjoy a few more drinks and even a light aperitvo snack.
A must do tour for shopaholics!
Milan is considered one of the most fashionable cities, not just in Europe, but in the entire world! So why not visit some of the hottest boutiques and design studios with your very own fashion expert?
On this tour, you’ll learn about the history of Milan’s fashion districts as well as visit some local, handmade shops. Whether you’re in the market to purchase souvenirs, or just wanting to window-shop from the side, this tour is for you!
Heading to Rome? These are Milan’s 5 top neighborhoods for all types of travelers!
A great tour to see Milan's architecture!
The Sforza Castle is not just an iconic landmark, but it’s also an impressive palace that has seen a fair share of transformations over the centuries. Originally built as a fortress, the castle was converted into military barracks, a private home, and even a cultural center for museums.
Your guide will take you inside the Sforza Castle and neighboring Museum, where you’ll learn all about it’s rich and complex history.
One of the coolest bus tours in Milan!
Squeeze as much sightseeing as you can with a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour of Milan! With one ticket, you’ll have three different routes to choose from. Visit the city center with the Sforza Castle and Duomo or head to the outskirts of Pagano and Parco Sempione!
On the bus, you’ll have an included audio guide, so you can listen and learn about your favorite attractions as you drive by them!
A unique tour in Milan!
On this full day tour, you’ll experience all the culture and gastronomy that Milan has to offer! First, you’ll go on a guided walking tour past the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Opera House, Via Dante, and the Sforza Castle.
In the afternoon, you’ll meet with a professional chef and whip up a full Italian lunch or dinner! The menu changes often, but you can expect a high-quality, gourmet meal with drinks.
Heading to Milan? Save some money with our budget guide to Milan’s best hotels!
A must do for foodies!
You’ll want to come with an empty stomach on this tour! For three hours, you’ll be guided through the streets of Milan to taste some of the best traditional pasties, snacks, and dishes that will make your mouth water.
But besides stopping at six different places, your knowledgable guide will also share industry secrets like how to pick the freshest produce and how to taste wine like a professional.
A fun way to see Milan!
For a unique experience, cruise through the city on a three-wheeled rickshaw! Not only can you customize the sights you want to visit, but you’ll also have your own private driver to take the wheel.
All you have to do is relax, take photos, and be driven to your favorite attractions around the city. Best of all, you’ll see more of Milan than you would on a normal walking tour!
Bike tours in Milan are great!
Buzz through the streets of Milan on this comfortable e-bike tour! Led by a licensed local guide, your small group will cycle past all the best spots in the city. No worries if you get tired! The bike’s electric motor will kick in when you need a boost of energy.
Start at Piazza XXIV Maggio and Porta Ticinese and pedal through the fashion district, Parco Sempione, and even the urban park called “Library of Trees.”
The best way to see other cities outside of Milan!
Looking for a relaxing escape from the urban chaos of Milan? Then hop aboard your luxury mini-van and head to the banks of the glistening Lake Como. Your guide will show you the historical highlights of the town, including the beautiful botanical gardens.
Then, you’ll make your way to Lenno for a boat cruise around the lake. Spend the rest of your afternoon soaking in the sun or grabbing lunch before heading back to Milan.
An amazing tour for architecture lovers!
Pedal past the skyscrapers and modern high rises as you explore New Milan by bike! Your tour starts in the historical center by Sforza Castle, but you’ll quickly escape to the outskirts of Porta Nuova to see the contemporary glass buildings that create Milan’s impressive skyline.
This leisurely ride is perfect for beginners since you’ll cycle at a slow pace using the city’s bike lanes.
A fun way to get around Milan!
Hop aboard the city’s historic 1930s trams as you visit some of Milan’s most historic (and most fashionable) sights. The tram starts at Sforza Castle and makes it ways past the Arch of Peace, the Duomo, and through the fashion district.
Not only is this is a great way to get around Milan, but it’s also educational too! Your onboard guide will tell you about all the best sides as you pass them on the tracks.
A great sightseeing tour in Milan!
Every year, millions of visitors flock to Milan to catch of glimpse of Vinci’s iconic “The Last Supper” painting. With this tour, you’ll avoid the long queue and skip the line so you can view this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
After, you’ll jump on a 1930s tram that takes you through the city center of Milan. Get off where you please, or simply admire the sights as you cruise through the city.
One of the most unique private tours!
Step inside the opulent Teatro alla Scala and be prepared to be wowed! On this guided tour, you’ll explore what makes this theater one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in all of Milan.
View costumes, paintings, and other theater equipment as you learn about the history of the plays and performances that have taken place over the years.
One of our favorite tours in Milan!
Looking for a unique souvenir to take back from Milan? Then think about booking an exclusive photo shoot where you can go home with 30 – 60 high-resolution photos with Milan as the backdrop!
A professional photographer will capture your vacation memories as you strike a pose in front of the Duomo, or sip coffee in a charming cafe. On this photo tour, you’re the model!
How do I book a Milan tour?
To make the most of your trip, we recommend booking a tour in advance. Our favorite site is getyourguide.com. They have the most comprehensive list of walking, cycling, and historical tours around!
How much do tours in Milan cost?
Although Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy, the tours are relatively affordable. You can expect to pay anywhere from 20 – 50 Euros per person for a basic tour. Private, full day or excursion tours will cost more.
How long do tours in Milan last?
The length of your tour will depend on the activity. Most tours in Milan last between 2-4 hours, although you can find full day tours lasting over 8 hours. If you plan to do an excursion outside the city, expect the tour to last the better part of the day.
What should I pack?
Depending on your tour, you should pack clothes that you can comfortably wear all day. If you’re on a walking tour, make sure to bring a bottle of water and wear a good, sturdy pair of shoes.
Milan is a multi-faceted city that cates both to urban dwellers and history lovers. You can easily spend your entire vacation shopping the latest Italian fashion, indulging on world-class cuisine, or visiting the ancient, medieval castles and churches.
But as you can see, a tour is one of the best ways to dive deeper into this fashionable and economic powerhouse. Tours allow you to soak in the culture and increase your knowledge about the world.
So next time you’re in Milan, why not book a tour? Whether you’re walking the cobblestone alleys of the old city or gawking at the modern high rises in the new town, you’re sure to be amazed at what Milan has to offer!
*** Some of the links on Hotel Jules are affiliate links, which means if you do make a purchase, we may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you.) Thank you for using our links! Your support keeps the site going***
Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.